Session 9: Week 36 – Are we there yet?

Main Education: Labor Precautions

Labor is the body’s natural process of moving the baby and the placenta out of the uterus. The process of labor usually starts when the baby is full-term, between 37 and 40 weeks of pregnancy.

Week 36 Pregnancy Insights

Signs that you are in labor may include:

Having contractions that come at regular (evenly spaced) intervals and increase in intensity. This may feel like more intense tightening or pressure in your abdomen that moves to your back. Contractions may also feel like rhythmic pain in your upper thighs or back that comes and goes at regular intervals.
Some women may feel a sudden gush of fluid.
Others notice that their underwear repeatedly becomes damp.
Feeling pressure in the vaginal area.
Your water breaking (rupture of membranes). This is when the sac of fluid that surrounds your baby breaks.
Fluid leaking from your vagina may be clear or blood tinged. Labor usually starts within 24 hours of your water breaking, but it may take longer to begin.
Women who have given birth before may notice a more rapid progression of contraction changes.
For first-time mothers, this change in intensity of contractions often occurs at a more gradual pace.

When to come to the hospital:

Your water breaks.
You have painful, regular contractions that are 5 minutes apart or less.
Labor starts before you are 37 weeks along in your pregnancy.
You have a fever.
You have bright red blood coming from your vagina.
You do not feel your baby moving as much as normal.
You have a severe headache with or without vision problems.
You have severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
You have chest pain or shortness of breath.

What should I bring with me to the hospital?

As your due date approaches, pack a suitcase for yourself, baby, and your support person.

For Mom:

Nightgown
Undergarments (panties for 2-4 days and nursing bras)
Slippers
Lip balm
Deodorant
Shampoo/conditioner
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Comb/brush
Labor support items, such as music/play list, favorite pillow in a non-white pillowcase, massage lotion, focal point and aroma therapy
Camera or cellphone with charger(s)
Clothing to wear home
(Disposable peri-pads will be provided)

For Baby:

Infant clothing and blanket for baby to wear home (weather appropriate)
Approved infant car seat—leave in the car (required by state law)
(Disposable items such as diapers will be provided)

For Dad or Support Person:

Toothbrush
Toiletries
Comb/brush
Pajamas
Change of clothing (2-3 days)
Snacks
Camera or cellphone with charger(s)

Install Your Baby’s Car Seat

Please have a car seat properly installed (per manufacturer’s recommendation) before your baby’s birth. If you have questions or would like to have your car seat checked before delivery, call 239-343-5101 for an appointment.

Group B Strep Screening

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacteria that is often found in healthy people. It is commonly found in the rectum, vagina, and intestines. Your provider will screen you for GBS by swabbing your vagina and your rectal area in the office around 35 weeks gestation. In people who are healthy and not pregnant, the bacteria rarely cause serious illness or complications. However, women who test positive for GBS during pregnancy can pass the bacteria to the baby during childbirth. This can cause serious infection in the baby after birth.

What if the screening is positive for GBS?

This condition is treated with antibiotic medicine. Antibiotic medicine may be given to you when you go into labor, or as soon as your water breaks. The antibiotics will continue until after you give birth. If you are having a cesarean delivery, you do not need antibiotics unless your water has broken.